External Affairs / Policy / Consultations Consultations
Roads used as public paths
Lee Armitage
Countryside (Recreation and Landscape Division 5)
Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs
Zone 1/01, 2 The Square, Temple Quay Bristol, BS1 6EB
Dear Mr Armitage
Consultation Paper Proposed Amendments
Roads Used as Public Paths - Reclassification
I refer to the consultation document of September 2003 on the above subject and present the response by the Institute for Outdoor Learning.
The Institute, as a registered charity, was formed two years ago as the result of the convergence of six outdoor organisations. We represent probably the broadest spectrum across the industry of any existing organisation. Our members include employers and employees involved in walking, mountaineering, personal development, outdoor activities, watersports and field studies. Our members are present in outdoor centres, educational establishments and some small providers. They may work for charities, local authorities commercial enterprises or themselves.
Creating Restricted Byways and Proposal One
We endorse the proposal that local authorities etc. should be given powers to create restricted byways in place of roads used as public paths (RUPPS).
However, we consider that there should be an opportunity for a short local consultation on specific local authority proposals and it may be appropriate to use the newly formed Local Access Forums for this purpose.
We are uncertain whether the new powers might restrict the use on Restricted Byways of emergency vehicles, (when involved in actual incidents); especially those used by Mountain and Cave Rescue Organisations. You will appreciate that on occasions it may be necessary to use a RUPP (Restricted Byway) in order to facilitate an effective rescue where time is the essence to save lives.
Proposal Two
No Comment but it could require an enormous increase in resources, especially where existing RUPPs have been seriously damaged and eroded by four wheel drive motor vehicles and scramble motor cycles. There is a need to ensure that only minimal maintenance is carried out and that Restricted Byways are not 'urbanised'.
Proposals 3, 4, 5 & 6
No Comment
Yours sincerely
Allan Myatt
Chairman
Institute for Outdoor Learning
n.b. Any correspondence should be sent to Brian
Lamb who is dealing with this issue.
Address: Greystone, Bere Ferrers, Devon, PL20 7JX
01822 841309
Briankay1@talk21.com